Hot Spinach Dip

Submitted by: melpfaff

Difficulty: Moderate, more time-consuming. I usually use this in winter, and use a casserole dish with tea lights underneath to keep it warm. Works well with pita chips, bread, veggies.

Taken from Emeril Lagasse/Food network

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (10-ounce) packages fresh spinach, well rinsed and stems trimmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cup grated Monterrey Jack
• 1 (6 1/2-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round chafing dish and set aside.
• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach in batches and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and refresh under cold running water. Squeeze to remove all excess water and chop. Set aside.
• In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, to make a light roux, about 2 minutes. Add the milk and cream in a steady stream, and cook, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cooked spinach and lemon juice, and stir to incorporate. Add the cubed and grated cheeses, artichoke hearts, and stir well. Remove from the heat and pour into the prepared dish.
• Top with the Parmesan and bake until bubbly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot with chips.

Notes: Make sure the pan is hot and stir constantly when making a roux. I usually omit the onions. I sometimes add diced tomatoes or red peppers. Also, make sure you rinse the artichokes, to get rid of the “vinegar” taste.